What media would best to use in my sanding cabinet to clean up hand planes? I know some things will etch the metal. I'm pretty set on glass beads unless someone can recommend something better. I might have a source for free coal slag, but I have to work that source a little more. My concern is damaging/etching the metal unnecessarily.
I've used wet/dry paper and a brass wheel on a grinder. I was thinking the sanding cabinet would be the way to remove the japanning. I'm still researching that option.
Many machine shops use 3M Scothbrite pads
I learned this when I was working to get some very prototype ink jet printer heads machined as there were some delicate features that could not be scratched or deformed.
He handed me a 3M ScotchBrite pad and added this is all we ever use.
My son, the CNC machinist who has worked at three different shops, said all the shops where he has worked used 3M Scotchbrite pads for deburring, tool, and part cleanup.
I have never removed the japanning from any of the planes that I have restored, I have found them intact enough to make a good user the way I bought them. But that being said, I give them a good soak in 'Evaporust', then I lap the sole in and while I have the 220 grit out (on a granite slab)I also lap the sides in as well.
That process makes them look pretty new, and shiny.
If you want to remove the Japanning, I go with Bob White's suggestion, I would soda blast them, and being that you have a blasting cabinet, make a trip to Sam's or Costco and pick up a few 5 pound bags … they are cheap compared to glass beads or sand.
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